2017 Lincoln MKC Complaints

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 09/21/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside cylinders #2 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000.

ENGINE — Filed 08/18/2026

My 2017 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost has recently experienced a serious engine failure and requires engine replacement. It developed an engine problem while driving on at least two occasions and is no longer reliable or safe to operate. No prior warning messages were observed on the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to pull over on the side of the road and I observed smoke coming from the engine. I was then concerned about the safety of an unexpected engine failure while driving, which might cause the vehicle to stop in traffic. I have now observed green/milky contamination on the engine oil dipstick. The vehicle requires further diagnostic evaluation and engine replacement by a Ford dealership. Ford issued technical service information concerning coolant intrusion into the cylinders of 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles with 2.0L EcoBoost engines. I am reporting because I believe the engine failure may be related to this condition and may represent a safety defect. I am in the process of having the Ford dealership inspect the vehicle and likely replace the engine. I can request the engine be retained for possible inspection. Ford Lincoln has been contacted regarding this problem. They denied any post-warranty financial assistance. I am concerned the failure may be related to the coolant-intrusion condition described in Ford's technical service information.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 09/22/2025

The contact's wife owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the #3 cylinder and spark plug had seized and there was water intrusion into the engine. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: DP26008. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced by an independent mechanic with parts from the local authorized dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 101,989.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/02/2026

I own a Lincoln Mkc 2017 - purchased on 2/19/19 with 12miles I have replaced 4 batteries over the years so far. I drive every day. I am never sure if the car will start. Multiple times i have a dead battery. Lincoln has a problem with this module and the electrical system. parasitic drainage issues on the battery. I don't feel safe, because there is an "unknown" draining the battery, therefore I am scared to drive the car and don't want to keep getting stranded. They have discontinued this make and model, but I am seeing the same complaints with the Corsair. My car only has 53k miles, it is in excellent condition. But unfortunately, i cannot rely on this car. I don't know what to do.

ENGINE — Filed 08/15/2026

Check engine light on. Codes P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302. Technician confirmed via scope coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and 2. Technician stated it is known issue with this engine and recommends a new engine for $16,169.92. This has been an ongoing issue for the past two years.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 08/05/2026

My husband and I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ that was purchase new in 2018. It is equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 69,000 miles. It has been meticulously cared for! Before the diagnosis, I noticed that when starting the vehicle and backing up, the engine would jerk slightly until I stepped on the accelerator to proceed. The check engine light then came on, which prompted me to take the vehicle to the Lincoln dealer for diagnosis. The servicing Ford/Lincoln dealer, Sugar Loaf Ford in [XXX], examined the vehicle and found coolant in a cylinder. We have been advised that the engine requires replacement. I am concerned because this appears consistent with reported coolant-intrusion problems involving the 2.0L EcoBoost engine used in certain Ford/Lincoln vehicles. A vehicle with only approximately 69,000 miles should not require complete engine replacement because coolant is entering a cylinder. We contacted Lincoln Customer Service and opened case #XXX requesting assistance. Lincoln declined our request and closed the case. Sugar Loaf Ford also contacted Lincoln on our behalf, but Lincoln again declined assistance. I am filing this complaint because I am concerned that this may be a recurring engine defect rather than normal wear. I request that NHTSA document this failure and consider it together with similar complaints involving 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles, particularly failures involving coolant intrusion into the cylinders and resulting engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 08/08/2026

Coolant intrusion into number 2 cylinder requiring full engine replacement of my 2017 my 2.0l eco boost engine

ENGINE — Filed 08/05/2026

Head gasket failure where engine coolant leaked internally into the engine cylinders.

ENGINE — Filed 01/05/2026

For the last 17,000 miles, the engine light has been on. We got it checked out and there is coolant and cylinder three we change the cylinder thought it was a misfire, but the problem keeps occurring and we found out information that those engines are bad.

ENGINE — Filed 07/06/2026

Check Engine Light present. Took car to Ford dealership. Formal diagnosis from Ford dealership: Coolant intrusion present causing misfires, specifically in cylinder 4. P0304 and P0316 codes present. This is a known manufacturing issue; however, Lincoln customer service refuses to acknowledge the problem even exists. Upon talking to the Ford dealership service members, they stated that this is a common issue. One of the service members stated he has already dealt with multiple vehicles with this exact problem this week alone. Having an engine (misfire, steam, etc) go out due to a manufacturing/design flaw, especially while driving on the highway, is a major safety issue. Service team instructed me to no longer drive vehicle which would cause catastrophic damage.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/12/2026

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2017 Lincoln MKC equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle has experienced a severe, progressive engine failure caused by internal coolant intrusion into Cylinder 1, directly matching the structural design defect detailed by the manufacturer in Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2229. This defect allows pressurized engine coolant to continuously leak directly into the combustion cylinders while driving and during engine rest. This creates an immediate safety risk of vehicle hydro-locking during ignition, sudden mid-drive engine stalls at highway speeds due to severe misfires (Fault Code P0301), and unexpected engine overheating. The manufacturer has knowingly built these open-deck engine blocks with narrow coolant grooves prone to fracturing, creating an ongoing risk of sudden thermal failure and power loss in active traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 05/06/2026

Contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rear cross traffic warning system of the vehicle was inoperable. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

ENGINE — Filed 06/27/2026

Check engine Light P0302 Engine Misfire Cylinder 2. I noticed Low Coolant in the overflow tank. Went to dealer They did a pressure test found coolant Intrusion inside Cylinder 2 open TSB 22-2229 Car or SUV if coolant gets into cylinder can cause engine failure

ENGINE — Filed 05/21/2026

About 3 weeks ago, I was driving, and a red flashing light came on, signalling that my coolant was low. I bought radiator fluid and put it in up to the fill line. I visited my daughter, which is 11/2 hr. away. I checked the radiator reserve when I arrived at her house. The reserve was empty again. I brought it to a local mechanic shop. They diagnosed that I have coolant intrusion in the engine. They said I would need to pay for a new engine around $8800-$9200. I had purchased a lifetime extended warranty when I purchased the car. The Ford dealership diagnosed my car with the same problem as the local mechanic. They said the repair was not covered by the Powertrain warranty do to it being a manufacturing failure. I brought the car home and it has been parked since.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 04/30/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle idled roughly, and there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and the low coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine replacement was not required, but the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/27/2025

The contact owned a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, when attempting to park the vehicle on a residential street, the vehicle heisted, and the vehicle independently accelerated into her cousin's house. The contact mentioned she depressed the brake pedal to stop; however, the vehicle did not respond as intended. No air bags deployed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. No medical attention was required. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

ENGINE — Filed 06/03/2024

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving, a burning odor was detected as the vehicle lost power. Upon the contact's arrival at home, her fiancé called AAA service. Where upon inspection the AAA technician diagnosed the vehicle with a battery issue stating that the was about to explode. No warning lights were illuminated. The battery was replaced by the however the contact stated that the vehicle continued to have electrical problems. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer or dealer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

ENGINE — Filed 07/23/2024

I purchased 2017 Lincoln MKC new almost immediately had electrical issues with it that has stayed throughout the vehicles life. At about 55,000 miles my car started acting up like it was misfiring. I took it to Lincoln and twice they said they couldn’t feel anything. I left the car over night because it mainly happened in morning starting up and going a certain speed. Lincoln called me and said it was something with transmission and they would fix it. The problem did not get better. At approximately 70,000 miles my engine light came on and I took it to be read. It read cylinder 1 misfire. I changed out my plugs and coils and had light reset. Light came back on at 71,000 engine over heating. I added/filled engine coolant. Light came on off and it was chalked up to an electrical issue they couldn’t find. I have had to refill my coolant several times as it drains quick in sumner heat and I have had to change my plugs and coils again. My car was recently at a Lincoln and they noted my spark plug and coils on the floor. They asked me about the radiator fluid and I explained what has been happening to my car since 55,000 miles. I was told that Lincoln is well aware that this is a problem with the MKC with radiator fluid leaking causing it to leak into out plugs, cause misfire and eventually seize the engine but there has not been a recall, leaving buyers stuck. My issue is that I went to dealership with these problems but was ignored and told it was something else. Lincoln purposly blamed the issue on something else so my warranty would be done and they wouldn’t have to cover the cost. They knew about this issue and purposely pushed it off so they would not be responsible.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/02/2022

First incident: My daughter was in the vehicle in our driveway in March 2022 and was leaving. She came running inside and told me she hit the start button and that the vehicle did not start, but started to roll down the driveway with the steering wheel locked in position. She was stepping on the brakes and the vehicle continued to roll out into the street until it finally stopped when it hit the curb across the street. She stated the brakes did not work. She hit the start button again and the vehicle started and she drove it back into our driveway to tell me about the incident and the loss of brakes and steering. Second incident: 5/9/22, my daughter was parked at the gas station with 2 friends. After putting gas in the car, she hit the start button and the car did not start, but instead started rolling forward with the steering wheel locked and no brakes. She kept pumping the brakes and nothing would stop the car. She started hitting buttons on the dashboard in an attempt to get the vehicle to stop, but it ran into the yellow bollard at the gas station and scraped the entire passenger side of the vehicle. She pressed the start button and held it down for several seconds before that made the vehicle finally stop. Her two friends corroborated that the vehicle would not stop even though she was frantically pressing the brakes. We now have approximately $4,000 worth of damage down the passenger side of the vehicle. My daughter is afraid to drive the vehicle anymore as this is the second time the vehicle failed to start, started moving, the steering wheel was locked, and the BRAKES did not work to stop the vehicle.

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/27/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON A MAIN ROAD, A VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CUT HER OFF TURNING INTO HER LANE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE MAIN ROAD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BONE BRUISES IN HER STERNUM AND DISPLACED RIBS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. *DT*DT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 01/16/2019

2017 LINCOLN MKC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OVER A CEMENT BLOCK, INTO A SMALL SIGN, AND OVER A SIDEWALK. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT, COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. *JS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 07/04/2018

I STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE SYNC SYSTEM WENT THROUGH A RESTART, KILLING THE ENGINE AND TURNING OFF THE DASHBOARD PANELS. IT HAD HAPPENED BEFORE ON A LEVEL SURFACE, BUT THIS TIME I WAS ON A 10-15% GRADE. I STOPPED AGAIN, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RETURNED ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER. I WAS ON A SLIGHT HILL, WITH THE ELEVATION LOWER IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I STARTED THE CAR AND STEPPED COMPLETELY OUT WITHIN 10-15 SECONDS. I STEPPED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR 10-15 SECONDS. THE HATCH WAS OPEN AND TWO FRIENDS BEHIND COULD CLEARLY SEE THROUGH THE VEHICLE, TO KNOW THAT I DIDN'T TOUCH THE PUSH BUTTON TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING DOWN THE HILL. I JUMPED IN, BUT THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS DARK. IT STOPPED ROLLING WHEN IT COLLIDED AGAINST A PARKED TRUCK APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET IN FRONT. THE ENGINE WAS OFF WHEN IT STOPPED. I THINK THE RECYCLE OF THE SYNC SYSTEM CAUSED AN INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING THE BRAKES, STEERING AND PUSHBUTTON TRANSMISSION TO BECOME NON-OPERABLE. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE OF $8568 TO MY MKC AND OF $1512 TO THE PARKED TRUCK. SINCE THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT INCIDENT, IT CAN'T BE REPLICATED AT A DEALER EVEN IF IT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE ON A LEVEL SURFACE AND WOULD NOT ROLL. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 7 MONTHS AND 8,819 MILES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 27,474. DURING THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED AND THEN GONE THROUGH AN ELECTRICAL RECYCLE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO TURN OFF AT LEAST 5 TIMES. TWO OF THOSE TIMES WERE ON A FLAT SURFACE. I RAN OVER A COONCRETE CURB A MONTH AGO. TONIGHT IT HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY & RAN UP ONTO MY FRONT PORCH, WHICH HAS A STEP UP OF ABOUT 6 INCHES. I CALLED LINCOLN CONCIERGE TO REPORT THE 2ND INCIDENT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS RECREATED IN A GARAGE - OR IT KILLS OR INJURES SOMEONE.

STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 11/02/2018

CAR WAS IN DRIVEWAY. AUTO STOP FEATURE WAS ON. FOOT WAS ON BRAKE, ENGINE STOPPED IDLING. AS I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE A/C COMPRESSOR ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT A BRICK COLUMN CAUSING OVER $2000 IN DAMAGE.CAR WAS SERVICED AT DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THE CAR DID NOT "THROW ANY CODES". PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE CAR BY THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/05/2017

THE CAR WAS NOT ON. IT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF A RESIDENTIAL HOME. THE LIFT GATE WAS OPEN. THE ARM THAT LIFTS AND SUPPORTS THE LIFT GATE BROKE SUDDENLY. IT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND A LARGE PRESSURIZED SPRING (GREATER THAN 2 FEET IN LENGTH) PROPELLED FROM THE LIFT GATE ARM. THIS SPRING STRUCK A CHILD IN THE FACE WITH SO MUCH FORCE THAT IT KNOCKED HIM DOWN, WITH CUTS AND BRUISED TO THE CHILD'S FACE (NEAR THE EYES). THE FORCE OF THE SPRING ALSO CAUSED A DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN, IT HAS POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT BODILY HARM.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/27/2017

USB CHARGING AND SNYC CONNECTION STATION AT THE BOTTOM OF CONSOLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BARELY ESCAPED WITH MY LIFE.